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EU Parliament Considers Ban on 'Veggie-Burger' and 'Soy Schnitzel'

The EU wants to protect traditional meat terms. But critics say the ban could stifle a booming plant-based industry.

In this image we can see vegetable food items and there is a meat on it in the plate.
In this image we can see vegetable food items and there is a meat on it in the plate.

EU Parliament Considers Ban on 'Veggie-Burger' and 'Soy Schnitzel'

The European Parliament is considering a controversial proposal to ban terms like 'Veggie-Burger' and 'Soy Schnitzel' for indoor plants. The move, driven by French MEP Celine Imart, aims to prevent consumer confusion but has sparked protests from consumer protection groups and food industry companies.

The proposal seeks to protect traditional meat terms such as 'Schnitzel' and 'Steak' for products derived from animal flesh. It argues that plant-based alternatives do not offer the same nutritional values and thus should not use similar terminology. However, critics contend that the ban is unnecessary and could hinder the growth of a booming industry.

In Germany, the largest market for plant-based alternatives in Europe, production has doubled since 2019, reaching around 121,600 tons in 2024. Despite this growth, the parliament believes that consumers may be misled by terms like 'Veggie-Burger', leading to the proposed ban.

The final decision on this proposal rests with the European Parliament reaching an agreement with the representatives of the EU states. If approved, the ban would significantly impact the plant-based industry, which has seen substantial growth in recent years. Negotiations are ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain.

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